It was with deep pain that we learned about the untimely death of the state-political and public figure, the Republic of Artsakh National Assembly deputy of the first and second convocations, Murad A. Petrosyan.

Murad Petrosyan made a great contribution to the formation of the Republic of Artsakh state system. With his dedicated work in both legislative and executive bodies he actively and dignifiedly participated in the establishment and construction of our country's statehood.

Murad Petrosyan was among the pioneers of the Artsakh movement.

Back in 1977-1988, Murad Petrosyan was engaged in promoting the awakening of national self-awareness. On April 24, 1983, for the first time in Artsakh, he organized a rally dedicated to the memory of the Great Genocide victims near the "We are our mountains" monument.

On April 24, 1985, Murad Petrosyan was detained for organizing a rally dedicated to the Armenian Genocide. In December 1988, he was detained by the KGB of the USSR for an attempt to import of weapons to Artsakh. After being released in April 1989, he was engaged in the organization and association of self-defense groups.

Until March 1991, he was the coordinator of the unified staff of Artsakh self-defense forces. In August 1991, he created the "People's Front of Artsakh" socio-political organization. In October 1991, he was appointed the first deputy of the commander of Artsakh self-defense forces for political issues.

In 1991, he was elected a deputy of the NKR Supreme Council of the first convocation, and in 1995, a deputy of the NKR Supreme Council of the 2nd convocation.

In 1996, Murad Petrosyan continued the work of the "Fund for Aid to Extremely Needy Families" created by my initiative in the parliament until 1999.

In 1997, he was the Chairman of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Defense and Security.

Murad Petrosyan was an impartial, principled person, a true patriot.

On behalf of the National Assembly of the Republic of Artsakh and on my own behalf, I express my deep condolences to the family, relatives and friends of Murad Petrosyan, and I share the heavy grief of loss.